Thailand

Visas

The Thai visa system is constantly changing, often at short notice, so it’s best to the visa requirements for your country before you travel. As dealing with visas can be very challenging, you might also benefit from reading our general visa section.

Entry to ThailandCitizens of most countries can now get a visa on arrival that is free and lasts for 30 days if you arrive by air.

You can get a 14 day free visa if you arrive by land, although some nationalities like G7 countries and Malaysian nationals get 30 days if arriving by land.

Make sure that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport after the date of entry into Thailand or you will be denied a visa. Visa ExtensionsIf you want to extend the visa on arrival you need to leave Thailand and come back in again.

Remember however that the authorities are not stupid so if you try and do it too many times then you might have trouble or be asked for proof of onward travel.

If you know you will definitely want to stay longer in Thailand then you can apply in advance for a Thai Tourist Visa that will be valid for 60 days and can be extended once for 30 days giving you a total of three months to explore Thailand.

Visas can be applied for at Thai embassies or consulates pretty much anywhere in the world and are easy to get in the region (say in Indonesia or Vietnam).

This visa costs US$30 and is a single entry visa so you won’t be able to leave and come back in on the same visa again even if it hasn’t expired.

In recent years there have also been some issues with travelers applying for a new Thai Tourist Visa after one has expired and it isn’t guaranteed that you will be granted a second or a third in a short space of time. Overstay feesVisa overstay fees are 500THB per day with an upper limit of 20,000THB.

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Why I LOVE Thailand

''Thailand was my first taste of exotics and it set the bar really high since it has it all. The food, the lovely people and the many amazing natural spots have made it the country that I've felt most connected with of all.''